Construction begins on $24.7 million expansion project at Ithaca airport

The project, set to be complete in late 2019, will expand the terminal by nearly 50 percent, including the addition of a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection building.

Additional improvements will include new passenger amenities, such as more modern and spacious waiting areas equipped with charging stations, and post-security food and beverage options.

The larger terminal will also provide more seating, six new gates, new retail opportunities and three additional passenger bridges, bringing the total number of passenger bridges at the airport to four. It also will enhance security and improve service to international travellers.

The work is being supported with $14.2 million in state funding as part of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition. The remaining funding includes $10.2 million from federal government and $260,000 from Tompkins County.

In addition, as part of a separate project, the New York State Department of Transportation will relocate its 7.6-acre maintenance facility from its current location on Cayuga Inlet in Ithaca to the airport in 2020.